Welcome aboard MV Doulos...

Few weeks back, I went to visit the famous MV Doulos ship which once again comes back to Kuching. It was a mind-boggling experience for me because that was my first visit to MV Doulos.

Here is the brief introduction on MV Doulos ship:

Constructed in 1914, MV Doulos is the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship. During the ship’s lengthy career, MV Doulos has sailed under four distinct names: Medina, Roma, Franca C and Doulos.

The ship has been utilised for four very different purposes: freighting goods, transporting emigrants, for cruises, and most recently in the ship’s present role as a vessel to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.

During its lifetime, MV Doulos has twice been extensively renovated and upgraded, and undergone two engine replacements. MV Doulos has been registered in the United States of America, Panama, Italy and Malta.

The meaning of the Vessel Names:

• Medina: The name of a river in Texas, USA. The Neches, her sister ship, was also given the name of a river.
• Roma: This name was selected because the ship carried pilgrims to Rome in 1950, the Roman Catholic Holy Year.
• Franca C: Like all the ships of the Costa fleet, she was named after a member of the Costa family.
• Doulos: A Greek name meaning bond servant or slave. Volunteers on board Doulos seek to serve God and the nations they visit.

and here are the pictures of my visit:

meet the siblings:
everard & michelle...with mv doulos ship







there were many flags of different countries worldwide aboard on doulos flag pole.. right in front of me that day was the australia's flag..hehe!






me being naughty..trying to act like one of the ship crew...climbing those stairs with high heels???







I supposed this is one the mini life boat for the ship crews in case of emergency... or perhaps it is for transporting other goods and stuff?





this is the scenario of bookstore in Doulos ship...it has various collections of books for all walks of life..

Hey hey...a nice book from the childrens' corner. Besides selling books, CD's and other souvenir gifts are also on sale.



Overall, this MV Doulos ship fascinates me not only because it reminds me of the famous Titanic ship but also the volunteerism spirit of evangilization of the ship crews from different countries. It was a truly fantastic experience for me.

Ushering 2009!!!

All the memories we had...all the ups and downs in life...of an amazing year of 2008 has come to an end

With that...HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 EVERYONE...!!!

May this new year of 2009 brings us good health, joy and happiness and of course prosperity. Do usher this new year with optimistic resolutions and great zeal to live a better life. Have an amazing and blessed year ahead! God Bless Us all with beautiful lives.

Hey Ya Kids- Christmas Party!

On 29th November 2008, the St Joseph's Cathedral Children Liturgy's teachers successfully organized the Pre-Christmas Party for the Sunset Mass Children Liturgy's Group. The party was held at the St Joseph's Parish Gallery from 2.30pm-5pm. Although it was raining heavily that afternoon, the party still went on smoothly and the children were very excited with the programme organized by their teachers. I attended this event eventually to help out my mom, which is one of the teacher of Children's Liturgy. Well, it was an amazing experience for me because i naturally love children and it was fun to play games and hang out with them during the party.

Check out a few pics taken from this event:



This is the registration counter. All children are required to register before the party to reconfirm their attendance and to get their name tag and souvenirs. Guess who's that woman wearing the black blouse? She's my mom.. Say hello to Teacher Anne. Hehe.





Here are the other teachers..these teacher were asking the children simple question based on their bible studies. Those who answered correctly were rewarded a gift..YAY!




Meet Teacher Anita...giving these children inspiration from the Holy Bible teachings. She also explained the meaning behind the puprle banner with beautiful paintings on it... It was done by the Children Liturgy's teachers..how creative...don't you think so?





The music team in action who plays vital role to cheer up the children with christmas songs...




Hooray...its game time!! The children were divided into two groups and to form a circle each. One of the game played was the Passing Parcel!




Meet Rev. Father Albert Jacob (wearing whilte shirt). A freindly yet lovable Irish man who loves children and had attended this children's party as well.






Last but not least, it was time for the children to enjoy their mini meal. They were served hotdog and kentucky fried chicken each... and a cup of ice Vico. "Bon Appetite" kids!!

Camp Empowered 2008!!!

EMPOWERED MINISTRY:
"...a generation of young Catholics, who are excited about GOD, in love with JESUS and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT..."

Here's a brief introduction about the youth ministry i usually joined and belonged to when i'm back home is the Empowered ministry. Firstly, the Empowered Ministry is official name of the St. Joseph's Parish Youth Ministry, Kuching. With these amazing verse from the bible: This is a generation of those who seek HIM, who seek your face O GOD, psalm 24:6, perfectly move this ministry with great zeal and enthusiasm to gather especially the young people to grow and strenghthen their faith in GOD.


Another exciting event organized by the Empowered Ministry besides their weekly Bible Sharing and Youth Gatherings, Easter Rally Concert, Roadshows, Dinners and etc.. was the Empowered Camp 2008. With different approach from the previous Camp One Way, Camp Empowered has it's own uniqueness. The camp theme was: The Kingdom Revealed, Matthew 25:34. Overall, it was a mind boggling experience for me!

Here are quick sneak peak on the camp site and some activities held during camp:

This is the official emblem of the Empowered Camp. A very creative design of emblem which potrays deep meaning of the whole camp expereince.

The registration of this camp took place in front of the Youth Room at St. Jospeh's Parish Centre. All camp participants should register by 8am. During registration, we were given our name tag, mineral water n camp kit which contain the camp schedule, rules and regulation as well as mini stationaries...

Final inspection of camp participants in the bus..hehe..i was seating 2nd seat from behind.

After more than 2 hours journey from Kuching, we finally arrived...Sematan...hmm..to be exact, its one of the National Service Camp Site. We had our camp there. Since the camp had this kingdam and castle concept, so the Camp Committee decided to named this camp site "The Prince of Peace" Camp Site...cool huh?

Here are the camp committee members!!! Warmly welcome us with their colourful royalty robes..hehe. We were then divided into various groups. Mine was Alohay Mauzi, which means: "God of my Strength"...

Here's the beautiful lake i passed by as i was ushered to my "chamber" or fondly known as dorm...

The girls' royalty chamber...can guess which one of these is my royalty bed? =)

and yes...the royalty bathroom...

Introducing my beloved group members: Loreitta, Faith, Cliff, Allan, Sherman, Amy, Janice, Matthew, Didi..and last but not least, my beautiful group fascilitator: Cherylene or also known as Chu.. this was taken in the royalty's dining hall...makan time bah.

Our first session was conducted by Mr Martin Jalleh..he flew all the way from Ipoh, Perak. He is a really amazing man which inspires many hearts of the young and old. Regardless of age, many were touched by his talks and motivation. Its good to meet up with him once again after the last camp in 2005. Yes! He still remember me..but no so well though, he called me Paulynn instead of Michelle..lol.

Here's the King and Queen of the Empowered Camp...hehe. Their job is just to officiate the opening and closing ceremony of this camp..haha. All campers were "crowned"...just before camp is over.

The Family Nite was organized at St Joseph's Parish Gallery as soon as we had our Youth Mass. Here parents and their children who attended camp get togther and had dinner. It was a truly amazing nite. My group and I performed a simple verison of Dikir Barat with a recitation of poem especially dedicated to our beloved parents.

Parents applauding happily and were truy impressed by their childrens perfomance...

The best group goes to: Alohay Mauzi!!! Yay! we won the game session and our group has the best flag design too!

Alohay Mauzi: Group Flag

Meet Princess Michelle ...with the camp emblem..and of course with my royality crown. LOL.

In conclusion, this short-coming camp has left me an unforgettable experience. I believe that God's love is unconditional that He gave His only Son, Lord Jesus to redeem the world, John 3:16 and Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. John 14:6. God's love is first love, sacrificial, steadfast, affirming and humerous! Let the Kingdom of God revealed for we are His chosen race...His Inheritance. AMEN!

Kuching Beach-Pasir Pandak

Cool afternoon breeze at the beach of Pasir Pandak was really calming and peaceful.. with distance of 25 mins drive from the Cat City... indeed away from the hustle n bustle of city life. Pasir Pandak beach has its own very attraction of tranquility although rather desserted and not really well known if compared to the Damai Beach or the Sematan Beach in Kuching.


There are a few island around the beach.. Geographically, this beach is pretty attractive. Well, my friends n i were seating under a shaded area of a tree while enjoying my mushroom chicken mee... it was our lunch or so called "picnic".Hey, it was a spontaneous plan.


What a sweet afternoon... Right in front of us were a few kids with their parents bathing in the sea... not far from us were a group of guys having their mini barbeque bash. There are a few simple stall which serve burgers, drinks and mini snacks. Overall, nothing fancy bout this beach..its just simple. No fast food outlets or high-tech fascilities. However, everyone seem relaxed and happy still...


Here are a few snap shots from my humble phone of Pasir Pandak beach... hehe

so friends out there..do consider to visit Pasir Pandak beach. Eventhough it is not as outstanding as the Teluk Chempedak Beach of Kuantan or the Port Dickson of Seremban, Pasir Pandak definitely offers tranquility which rejuvenates your mind and soul with simplicity.